Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Yokosuka

by Commander Naval Surface Group Western Pacific Public Affairs

02 August 2023
YOKOSUKA, Japan – CAPT W. Shockey Snyder relieved CAPT Joel Lang at a change of command ceremony for Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific (CNSGWP) held on July 28, at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The ceremony included remarks from Rear Admiral Brendan McLane, who recently completed a tour as the 60^th commander of Naval Surface Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
 
“CNSG is a well-established force, instrumental to maintaining Forward Deployed Naval Forces at the highest levels of readiness.” Addressing Lang, specifically, RADM McLane remarked, “This organization, your organization, improves the lives, conditions, and lethality of every ship on the waterfront. A service that positively influences the Surface Force way out past the quay wall.”
 
Lang has held multiple command tours at sea to include Patrol Coastal Crew Kilo on USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Typhoon (PC 5), USS Ramage (DDG 61), and USS Tripoli (LHA 7). He assumed command of CNSGWP in September 2022, leading the organization in its mission to maintain the important balance between operations, maintenance, and training for the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Japan’s 21 homeported surface ships. “I am proud every time a ship departs on patrol on time, ready for any and all tasking,” said Lang. He closed his remarks speaking directly the staff stating, “Your job is critical. Our job is to make sure ships depart the breakwater, that they can get into the fight and they can stay in the fight.”
 
Snyder, recently completed a tour as commanding officer of USS America (LHA 6), homeported in Sasebo, Japan. His previous command tours include USS Sioux City (LCS 11) Blue Crew and Naval Surface Squadron Five in Bahrain.